How to get there
Navigating Your Journey to San Sebastian: A Traveler's Guide from North America
Updated Sun, Jun 22, 2025
Fly to Bilbao, then take a bus to San Sebastian. Alternatively, connect through Madrid or Barcelona for a direct flight to the city.
Overview
Ease of getting there
Reaching San Sebastian from North America requires a bit of planning, but the journey is well worth it. Most travelers fly into Bilbao Airport, the nearest major international hub, about 100 km away. From there, a convenient bus service takes you directly to San Sebastian in about 70 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Madrid or Barcelona and catch a connecting flight to San Sebastian's smaller airport. For a scenic route, consider taking the train from Madrid or Barcelona, which offers stunning views of the Spanish countryside. Remember, San Sebastian is a popular destination, so book your travel well in advance, especially during peak summer months.
Customs and immigration
Spain uses the automated border control system for EU/EEA citizens. US and Canadian travelers use manual passport control. Wait times vary but are generally under an hour. Have your passport and any required visas ready. Spanish customs are straightforward, with nothing unusual to declare for most tourists.
Flights from the US / Canada
Major US and Canadian cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal offer flights to Bilbao via European hubs. Airlines such as Iberia, Air France, and Lufthansa operate these routes. Flights typically run daily during peak season, less frequently in winter.
From airport to city center
From Bilbao Airport, the PESA bus service runs directly to San Sebastian every hour, taking about 70 minutes. If arriving in Madrid or Barcelona, you can take a domestic flight to San Sebastian Airport, or opt for a train journey. The train from Madrid takes about 5.5 hours, while from Barcelona it's around 5 hours.
Explore more in Donostia-San Sebastian
Go.
Plan flexibly, experience fully. Brainstorm, plan, and explore your best trips yet with Kumquat.
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
categories
© 2024-2025 Eten en Drinken Software Ltd Co